Pneumococcal Vaccine

Public Health Officials are reminding eligible persons to not forget to get their pneumococcal vaccine this year. People over the age of 65, the very young, and people with special health problems should consider receiving the pneumococcal vaccine in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine when available.            

Pneumococcal disease kills more people in the United States each year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined, according to the CDC. The disease can lead to serious infections of the lungs (pneumonia), the blood (bacteremia), and the covering of the brain (meningitis).            

“It is important to get the pneumococcal vaccine because it is very useful in preventing secondary pneumonia infections during the flu season,” stated Lynne Feldman, M.D., District Health Director. “Those that are vaccinated have a better chance of reducing their illness if infected with an influenza virus.”           

Those that should receive the vaccine are:

• children,
• all adults 65 years and older,
• anyone 2 through 64 years old with long-term health problems such as heart and lung disease, diabetes, and sickle cell disease
• anyone 2 through 64 years old who has a low immune system,
• and anyone 19 through 64 years old that smokes or has asthma.

Along with receiving the pneumococcal vaccine, the pneumococcal virus can be prevented by following good health hygiene practices, such as washing your hands often, cleaning hard surfaces that are touched often (doorknobs, countertops), and coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your elbow. You can also reduce the risk of getting pneumonia by limiting exposure to cigarette smoke, and treating and preventing conditions like diabetes and HIV/AIDS.   

For cost and availability of the pneumococcal vaccine please call your local health department or your local health care provider. For general information you can call South Health District at 229-333-5370 www.cdc.gov.